April 15--A federal judge has set dates for the special election to fill the 18th Congressional District seat vacated by former Rep. Aaron Schock, who resigned last month and now finds his spending habits under federal scrutiny.
The primary election will be held July 7, followed by the special election Sept. 10, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.
Candidates can file nomination papers beginning Wednesday, with a Monday deadline to try to get on the ballot.
The Republican-leaning district stretches across the middle of the state from Bloomington to Quincy.
Gov. Bruce Rauner has not issued a formal endorsement in the race but told the editorial board of the Springfield State Journal-Register that he encouraged state Sen. Darin LaHood to run.
LaHood, a Republican from Dunlap near Peoria, is a former federal prosecutor who joined the legislature in 2011. He's the son of Ray LaHood, who previously represented the area in Congress before leaving to serve as President Barack Obama's transportation secretary.
